Jump in Fall Admission Applications to U-Idaho’s College of Law Bucks National Trend

Monday, May 6 2013

MOSCOW, Idaho – Fall admission applications to the University of Idaho’s College of Law are up nearly 9 percent – defying a steep decline in new student applications at most peer institutions nationwide.

“With so many law schools struggling during this year’s national decline in admissions, I could not be more thrilled that prospective students are hearing about and applying to our college,” said Carole Wells, the college’s interim director of admissions.

The University of Idaho College of Law is the only American Bar Association-accredited law school in the state. As of May 1, its applications total 625, up from 574 this time last year. Of its 199 U.S. peers, Idaho’s law school is one of only eight reporting an increase in admissions applications.

Nationally, law schools are reporting average application declines of 20 percent. Regionally, the average is almost 21 percent, according to figures in the latest Law School Admissions Council volume report. Meanwhile, 168 of the nation’s law schools are struggling as a result of 10 percent or greater declines in applications than previous years.

U-Idaho’s gains are no accident, said Jeffrey A. Dodge, the associate dean who oversees admissions at the College of Law.

“Our comparatively affordable tuition and strong data on high employability among our graduates helps students balance their debt load with the career prospects available to them. A law degree from our college is a great return on investment, which is very attractive to applicants,” Dodge said.

A spring survey conducted by U-Idaho’s law school showed higher employment among its 2012 alumni, even when compared to the previous graduating class. Additionally, a greater number of those graduating in 2012 passed the bar exam; and more of them were employed in legal positions than were 2011 graduates.

“I am proud of the collective efforts of faculty and staff to promote our complementary programs in Moscow and Boise,” said Don Burnett, dean of the College of Law, who’s becoming the University of Idaho’s interim president in June.

“An accredited law degree from the University of Idaho opens doors of opportunity ranging from careers in law practice to business, the judiciary and civic leadership,” Burnett said.

Learn more about the College of Law at www.uidaho.edu/law.
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About the University of Idaho
The University of Idaho inspires students to succeed and become leaders. Its land-grant mission furthers innovative scholarly and creative research to grow Idaho's economy and serve a statewide community. From its main campus in Moscow, Idaho, to 70 research and academic locations statewide, U-Idaho emphasizes real-world application as part of its student experience. U-Idaho combines the strength of a large university with the intimacy of small learning communities. It is home to the Vandals, and competes in the Western Athletic Conference. Through the university’s $225 million Inspiring Futures capital campaign, private giving will enhance student learning, faculty research and innovation, and a spirit of enterprise. Learn more: www.uidaho.edu.